CCA’s Family Development Services program works with families.   Through many efforts, we empower low-income families and individuals by offering a variety of services and activities to help them set and achieve goals to move out of poverty.  Families are assessed to determine their strengths, and are provided the necessary tools to help them plan a course of action for family outcomes.  Coordination of services with faith-based organizations, human services agencies and programs within CCA is the approach used for maximizing services to help families and individuals help themselves. Self-help workshops and seminars are also presented as additional training tools.   Topics include, but are not limited to finding and keeping employment, starting a small business, college education resources, financial literacy, developing positive parenting skills, effective parent-teacher communication, stress management, healthy relationships, mental health resources, legal aid services and home ownership preparation. Family Development provides two service components: Case Management and Self-Sufficiency.

Case Management is available to families with children enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start programs at Coastal Community Action, Inc. All Head Start/Early Head Start parents are encouraged to participate in goal-setting to help them resolve crises, meet their pervasive needs and work towards self-sufficiency for their families.  Intensive support, referrals and resources are coordinated to assist families with overcoming obstacles that block their ability to move to a level of stability. Workshops and other self-help materials are provided during Head Start Parent Meetings as requested. 

The Self-Sufficiency component is designed to make a measurable impact in the lives of families and the communities in which they live. Services are comprehensive and include direct financial assistance with job search and job retention, tuition, books and supplies, child care, housing, money management, debt-elimination, work materials, supplies and uniforms, transportation and crisis intervention.  Referrals are made for numerous situations, including mental and emotional wellness, medical emergencies and health physicals for employment and education purposes, housing solutions, and other crisis interventions case-by-case. Families and individuals may be eligible for this type of assistance for up to five years as long as they meet the criteria for program participation. Provisions are made for elderly and disabled persons to participate in this project for up to 12 months for support services and stabilization. 

Case Managers are available in the main office in Newport, Head Start Child Development Centers in Carteret, Craven and Pamlico counties, the New Bern Housing Authority, and Jones County Department of Social Services.  Case Managers also accept intake applications by appointment at JobLink Career Centers in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Pamlico counties.